Issue 66 - Fond Memories

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Fond Memories

Well I had so much to share in this column this time round. The time between my ramblings has been pretty packed.

The summer has been peppered with firsts, not just me but for my daughter as well – her first long haul flight and dip in the pacific.

My string of firsts started with a tasting of the new liquid soon to be released by Highland Park which is pretty stunning; enjoying a cracking new Japanese blended malt, being involved in choosing Ian Macleod's next cigar malt and visiting the Victoria Single Malt club in British Columbia, Canada.

But all this became a distant fond memory in the instant that I walked into Damian's office, realised something dreadful had happened and the news about Michael Jackson broke.

Although Michael had been ill for some time, his passing was still a shock for all those who knew him. I don't think that however ill someone is that you can prepare for the moment they are gone.

I knew Michael for just a short three years. While we often differed on what the term deadline meant I knew I could rely on that phrase uttered in his dulcet Yorkshire tones: “When have I let you down?” Never is the answer. His final column was submitted well before the deadline.

For me he was a great source of knowledge and never tired of my questions about the industry, and was always quick to offer a night out in London – curry, beer and a dram – something I deeply regret not managing to take up.